Rochester chief says Verizon needs police details

Verizon crews are working on some of the town's major roads without police details to safely direct traffic around them, and Police Chief Paul Magee said he wants the practice to stop.

MICHAEL J. DECICCO

ROCHESTER — Verizon crews are working on some of the town's major roads without police details to safely direct traffic around them, and Police Chief Paul Magee said he wants the practice to stop.

Selectmen approved Magee's to take enforcement action after he told them Monday night that the crews have said they are under corporate orders to work without a detail "until we get caught."

Verizon officials failed to return two calls seeking comment.

Magee said on one occasion, an officer was tied up for most of the day on a last minute detail while workers were rewiring a utility pole. He said doing that left the town vulnerable without other police protection as there are only two officers per shift.

"When these crews are out on major roads, a detail is needed for the sake of public safety," he said. "It is my considered opinion that the pattern of behavior by Verizon reflects a deliberate disregard of public safety."

The selectmen endorsed sending Verizon a strongly worded letter and they encouraged Magee to charge the company fees if the practice continues.

Police details cost $43 an hour for a minimum of four hours.

Selectmen also approved Magee's request to appoint William D. Chamberlain, who retired as a full-time police officer after a long career on May 31, as a reserve officer.